Downtown shop gives people a better ride

Walk in and look around: there's a row of new bicycles along the wall, in every shape, size, model and color for the picking. If a bike just needs a few repairs, those are waiting on the other wall. It's a cyclist's dream.

For those who love nothing better than some quality time on a bicycle, Paint Creek Bicycles is the place to go.

Located on East Flint Street in downtown Lake Orion, the bike shop has been in business in Lake Orion for nine years. Owner Keith Riege has been in business for 31 years and is a third generation shop owner.

While there is still some construction downtown, the shop is accessible by sidewalk and Paint Creek Bicycles welcomes customers to visit. Like all downtown businesses, it was affected by this year's construction.

"It's killed our exposure by having the town closed during our peak," Riege said. "We'll have to wait until next year to see if the nicer downtown brings more customers.

"Cycling is becoming more and more popular as an activity," he added. "I think the general health consciousness has been raised, which has helped cycling."

Paint Creek Bicycles services all makes and models of bikes, as well as a wide consumer range, from recreational bicyclists to professionals.

"We get a lot of people coming up the trail with flats and we fix them right away so they can ride home," Riege said.

The shop has also started selling more helmets, due to rising awareness of safety, plus bike lights. And, as Paint Creek cyclists are aware, the shop also does maintenance and repairs on bicycles.

Riege provided a few basic maintenance tips for cyclists. First, make sure that the chain and parts that work with it (drive train) are clean. Second, resist the urge to wash a bicycle with a hose. Lastly, just make sure the tires are inflated properly.

Paint Creek Bicycles gets involved in cycling events, too, including sponsorship of a group of customers on a three-day, 300 mile tour last week. The group raised money to help grant wishes to terminally ill children.

Visit Paint Creek Bicycles at www.paintcreekbicycles.com for daily cycling tips, information about upcoming cycling events, and more. Or visit them at 27 East Flint Street Monday through Saturday for every bicycle need.